Chesterfield Towne Center owners plan major renovation with new outdoor park

The new owners of Chesterfield Towne Center, a 1-million-square-foot mall in Chesterfield County, announced plans for a multi-million dollar renovation. The project will begin with interior improvements to the food court and main shopping area, according to NBC12 and Richmond BizSense.

JRE Partners, a New York investment firm, and Swiss company Anastacia AG purchased the mall last winter for $80 million. They emphasized that the mall will not close or be demolished, but rather improved and enhanced.

The renovation includes creating a central square with a reimagined food court designed as a diner, spaces for adults to gather and relax, and transforming the main shopping strip into a 'main street' feel. An outdoor park will also be added to part of the parking lot.

Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Miller, representing the Midlothian District, expressed support for the project and noted no residential development is planned at this time. He said the mall's success will be closely monitored before considering housing.

The owners hope the changes will motivate more visitors by offering a fresh look and new communal spaces. The project was unveiled at a community meeting held at James River High School, where developers and county officials discussed the phased renovation plans.